7.2 Mag Quake Hits Chile's Libertador O'Higgins Region

March 11, 2010

Two strong earthquakes shook Chile Thursday as Sebastián Piñera prepared to take office as the country's new president.

The U.S. Geological Survey measured a 7.2 magnitude quake in Chile's Libertador O'Higgins region, about 124 kilometers from the capital Santiago. It followed a magnitude 5.1 quake centered in the Arucania, Chile region, about 555 kilometers south of the capital.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the new quakes. A major 8.8-magnitude earthquake in February killed hundreds of people.

The new quakes came as dignitaries gathered in the capital to witness Mr. Piñera succeed Chile's first female president, socialist Michelle Bachelet, who is barred from a second consecutive term.

Mr. Piñera, a Harvard-educated economist, is expected to steer the Chilean economy toward more free market policies.

The inauguration marks the first time a conservative has led the country since democracy was reinstated in 1990.

Ms. Bachelet leaves office with high public approval ratings - despite criticism over the government's initial response to the 8.8 magnitude quake that rocked the South American country February 27.

Wednesday, the head of Chile's emergency management agency resigned in the fallout over the failure to issue a clear warning about the tsunami that followed the quake.

The Chilean government has said reconstruction will cost about $30 billion and that it will take about three or four years to rebuild the country.